Forest Bathing
It's something the Japanese have known for years; spending time amongst the trees is beneficial to both body and soul.
The practice of shinrin-yoku, which means 'forest bath', has gained popularity here in the UK as a way of getting back to nature and nurturing a sense of wellbeing.
As I write this, in the middle of the coronavirus lockdown, I have been lucky enough to experience this idea of forest bathing on most days. I realise that I am fortunate that walks from my house take me straight onto some beautiful forest trails.
More than ever, I have appreciated the dappled light, the unfurling of new leaves on the trees, the emerging blossom and the sound of birdsong as I wander along the paths.
With my boundaries scaled back and doing the same walks, I find I am taking in more of the detail of what I see, hear and smell on my walks. Take, for example, pinecones; I never realised until now that baby pinecones are pink!
Shinrin-yoku was developed in the 1980s in Japan. Of course, people have been walking through forests for centuries but it is only recently that studies have shown that this activity can reduce blood pressure, help concentration and improve memory. And perhaps most importantly in our busy lives, it can lower our cortisol or stress levels.
However, a true forest bathing session would last a lot longer than my regular walks with the dog. Forest bathing would typically include looking at the science behind shinrin-yoku; sensory exercises like touching the trees and focusing on colours and patterns and breathing deeply.
One thing I haven't tried is lying under the canopy of trees and looking up through the branches. Something for my next stroll along the forest path, perhaps...and to embrace it properly, this is supposed to be without any distractions, like my camera...
If you have enjoyed these photos and would like the chance to indulge in some forest bathing, The National Trust has published a list of top tips and locations in their 'A Beginner's Guide to Forest Bathing' that might be a useful reference once the lockdown is lifted.
